Southern STARNews

19/10/2025

Political Updates in the Province of Davao del Sur.

19/10/2025

Digos City -The COMELEC (Second Division), in its October 17, 2025 Resolution, RULES :"The Proclamation of Respondent MARC DOUGLAS CHAN CAGAS IV as the duly elected Vice governor of the Province of Davao del Sur during the 12 May 2025 National and Local Elections is hereby ANNULLED. "
The COMELEC (Second Division), on the Petition for Disqualification filed by Lanier Cadungog at the COMELEC on February 6, 2025, against Marc Cagas, a candidate for an elective position, for Vice Governor in the Province of Davao del Sur during the May 12, 2025 National and Local Elections , on Friday has handed down a RULING:"The Proclamation of Respondent MARC DOUGLAS CHAN CAGAS IV as the duly elected Vice Governor of the Province of Davao del Sur during the 12 May 2025 National and Local Elections is hereby ANNULLED."
In the resolution of the case, the COMELEC (Second Division) defined 'The Issue' of the case, stating "The pivotal question to be resolved is whether or not the Respondent (Marc Cagas) should be disqualified as a candidate for the position of Vice Governor of the Province of Davao del Sur in the 2025 NLE notwithstanding the grant of parole and the subsequent termination thereof."
The COMELEC (Second Division) in its RULING, says, "We find merit in the Petitioner's contentions."
The issue on perpetual disqualification and the issue on commission of moral turpitude were deliberated during the resolution of the case.
It can be recalled, Sandiganbayan records showed Marc Cagas was convicted by the Court on May 13, 2022, for eight (8) criminal charges: Four (4) counts for violation of Section 3 (e) of Republic Act No. 3019, under Criminal Case Nos SB-16-CRM-0183 to 0184, and SB-17-CRM-0642 to 0643; Three (3) counts For Malversation of Public Funds, under Criminal Case Nos SB-16-CRM-0185 to 186 and SB-17-CRM-0645; and One (1) count For Malversation of Public Funds thru Falsification, under Criminal Case No. SB-17-CRM-0644.
The SANDIGANBAYAN, in its verdict against accused Cagas who was found GUILTY, has imposed fines as penalties for the commission of the crimes.
But in Criminal Case No. SB-17-CRM-0644, For Malversation of Public Funds thru Falsification, the Court has imposed a stiffer penalty, sentencing accused Marc Cagas to suffer "the indeterminate penalty of four (4) months and one (1) day of aresto mayor in its maximum period to prision correctional in its minimum period, to two (2) years and four (4) months of prision correctional in its medium and maximum period and to pay a fine of Five Thousand Pesos (P5,000.00). . . . .".
Marc Cagas was able to secure a Plea Bargaining Agreement with the Court, was able to serve the sentence of imprisonment under probation, and only after returning the P12.95 Million Pesos of public funds which the Sandiganbayan was able to determine accused Marc Cagas has embezzled. (Southern STARNews)

18/10/2025

The day Lanier Cadungog filed at the COMELEC the Petition for Disqualification against Marc Cagas, a candidate for vice governor in the Province of Davao del Sur in the May 12, 2025 National and Local Elections.

Province of Davao del Sur

Lanier R. Cadungog has filed a Case of Disqualification against Vice Gubernatorial Candidate Marc Cagas at the Office of the Commission on Elections (COMELEC).

The Petition for Disqualification filed by Cadungog against Cagas was received by the COMELEC at 9:00 A.M. on February 6, 2025.
On his petition for disqualification of Marc Cagas, among one of the main arguments presented by petitioner Cadungog is the termination of probation of Marc Cagas issued by the Regional Trial Court, Branch 61, which petitioner Cadungog said is not valid.
In his petition, Cadungog argued to wit, "It is humbly argued that the termination of probation issued by Branch 61, Regional Trial Court (RTC) of Digos City is not a valid final discharge order. The order granting final discharge from probation should have been granted by the Sandiganbayan, the court who placed him on probation."
Petitioner Cadungog further argued , "the termination of probation issued by the RTC of Digos City is questionable considering that it is the Sandiganbayan which has exclusive jurisdiction over the case "
In his ending argument, petitioner Cadungog said, "there being no Sandiganbayan court order to this effect until now, the Respondent (Marc Cagas) is still under probation, and not yet fully restored of all civil rights lost due to his conviction."
Petitioner Cadungog seeks for judgement, , praying in the conclusive part of his petition, to wit, "...the petitioner most respectfully prays of the Honorable Commission that a judgement be rendered DISQUALIFYING MARC DOUGLAS CHAN CAGAS IV from running as candidate for Vice Governor of the Province of Davao del Sur and/or for any public position."
To recall, official records showed Marc Cagas had faced eight (8) counts of criminal cases filed against him at the Sandiganbayan on a 2008 crimes involving a P12.95 million malversation of public funds thru fraud and falsification of documents.
Sandiganbayan has noted the length of time since the commission of the crimes in 2008 ran for 14 years, before accused Cagas admitted in court he is guilty of the commission of the crimes.
Finally on May 13, 2022, Sandiganbayan rendered its decision, finding accused Marc Cagas guilty on all eight counts of criminal cases filed against him.
Marc Cagas was serving probation following the May 13, 2022 Sandiganbayan's verdict.
To recall, Sandiganbayan, on May 13, 2022 has rendered the following decision, to wit:
". . .3. In Criminal Case No. SB-17-CRM-0644, accused Cagas is hereby found GUILTY of Falsification, defined and penalized under Article 172 (2) of the Revised Penal Code. Appreciating in his favor the mitigating circumstance of voluntary surrender, he is accordingly sentenced to suffer the indeterminate penalty of four (4) months and one (1) day of arresto mayor in its maximum period to prision correccional in its minimum period, as minimum, to two (2) years and four (4) months of prision correccional in its medium and maximum period, as maximum, and to pay a FINE of Five Thousand Pesos (Php5,000.00), . . .".
The Sandiganbayan Decision, dated May 13, 2022, convicting Mark Douglas Chan Cagas IV for the aboved crimes committed, were signed by Presiding Justice Amparo M. Cabotaje Tang, Associate Justice Bernelito R. Fernandez, and Associate Justice Lorifel L. Pahimna."
Lanier R. Cadungog is an incumbent District 2 board member in the province of Davao del Sur and is an aspirant for vice governor in the upcoming May 2025 Local Elections.
Marc Cagas has filed his candidacy for Vice governor on October 8, 2024, in tandem with his re-electionist wife, Governor Yvonne Roña-Cagas, for the 2025 elections. Marc Cagas is also currently serving as a SAPG to his governor-wife, a position created for him by the governor, having an advisory functions. (Southern STARNews)

18/10/2025

Province of Davao del Sur - The Commission on Election (COMELEC), Second Division, has rendered a decision on the case, docketed as SPA No. 25-011 [DC]: A Petition for Disqualification filed at the COMELEC by Lanier Cadungog on February 6, 2025, against Marc Douglas Chan Cagas IV, a candidate for vice governor in the Province of Davao del Sur during the May 12, 2025 National and Local Elections.
The COMELEC (Second Division) yesterday has decided the merits on the case and has ruled granting the petition for disqualification.
The COMELEC (Second Division), in its decision promulgated October 17, 2025, to wit, says:
"WHEREFORE, in the light of the foregoing, the Commission (Second Division) RESOLVED, as it is hereby RESOLVES, to GRANT the Petition for Disqualification. The Proclamation of Respondent MARC DOUGLAS CHAN CAGAS IV as the duly elected vice governor of the Province of Davao del Sur during the 12 May 2025 National and Local Elections is hereby ANNULLED.
In view of the vacancy created in the office of the Vice Governor, the Provincial Board of Canvassers is hereby directed to RECONVENE and PROCLAIM the highest ranking Panlalawigan Member as Vice Governor of the Province of Davao del
Sur, following the rule on succession.
SO ORDERED."
The decision were signed by Presiding Commissioner Rey E. Bulay, Commissioner Nelson J. Celis, and Commissioner Noli R. Pipo, of the COMELEC (Second Division). (Southern STARNews),

17/10/2025

Digos City - Digos City First Lady, City Councilor Liza M.Cagas, turned over two temporary learning shelters at Barangay San Roque National High School, reminding every digoseño the essential value of education for their young sons and daughters, that amidst hardship, even with the lack of classrooms, to never lose faith and always choose hope.( Southern STARNews)

17/10/2025

Digos City - The Local Government Unit of the City of Digos, in the Province of Davao del Sur, in Southern Davao, is being honored yesterday at the national level by the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), for being an outstanding LGU implementer for the social protection programs for the well-being of the senior citizens in the city's elder sector.
The Local Government Unit of Digos City is under the leadership of City Mayor Josef F Cagas, the City's Chief Executive.
The recognition was awarded on October 16, 2025 in Puerto Princesa City, Palawan. (Southern STARNews)

15/10/2025

Kiblawan, Davao del Sur - The Local Government Unit of the Municipality of Kiblawan, in the Province of Davao del Sur, has transferred yesterday 15 heifers and one bull to eligible farmer-beneficiaries under the 'Bakahan sa Niyogan', a cattle dispersal program aimed to boost the livelihood of farmers, in particular the farmers in the coconut sector.
The cattle dispersal is part of the livestock integration component of the Coconut Farmers and Industry Development Plan (CFIDP).
San Jose Coconut Farmers Association (SJCFA), an accredited farmer-organization, yesterday was the beneficiary of the cattle dispersal program under the 'Bakahan sa Niyogan'.
The administration of Mayor Carl Jason Rama has remained steadfast in its commitment to improve the livelihood of the town's agricultural sector. (Southern STARNews)

15/10/2025

Digos City - Davao Oriental Governor Nelson Dayanghirang nagpa-abot karong adlawa sa iyang dakong pagpasalamat ngadto kay City Mayor Josef F Cagas, ug sa katawhan sa Syudad sa Digos, human nadawat sa panggamhanan sa probinsya sa Davao Oriental ang hinabang nga naggikan sa Syudad sa Digos alang sa mga biktima sa kusog nga linog.
Ang probinsya sa Davao Oriental ang nakasinati og dakong kalamidad human gitay-od ang probinsya sa kusog nga linog, nga nitala og 7.6 magnitude nga kakusngon niadyong Oktubre 10, 2025. , (Southern STARNews)

15/10/2025

Digos City - The City Government of Digos has allowed owners of establishments operating in the City of Digos to resume their operation, only after passing the structural building evaluation by the City Inspection Team, the Team who determine whether the building is safe for occupancy or not.
"This is to ensure the safety of the workers and the patronizing public", Digos City Mayor Josef F. Cagas said.
A 'GREEN STICKER' pasted at the inspected building is actually a 'Building Occupancy Clearance', a proof the building has fully passed structural evaluation by the Inspection Team, and it's a notice to the public that the building is safe to occupy and enter.
Digos City was jolted by a strong earthquake, carrying a magnitude of 7.6, that hit Davao Region on October 10.
The Inspection Team that issued the Occupancy Clearance is composed of the City Engineering Office, The Bureau of Fire Protection, and the City Disaster Risk Reduction Management Office
(Southern STARNews)

14/10/2025

Digos City - Digos City, in the Province of Davao del Sur, in Southern Mindanao, has emerged as a top performer-local government unit, for having generated a total of Php 376 Millions in locally-sourced revenue for the Year 2024, a feat that catapulted the City of Digos to the TOP 10 Cities in Mindanao with the highest generation of locally-sourced income for the Year 2024.
The Number 1 in the rank is Davao City with a total annual local income of Php 5.76 Billion, followed by Cagayan de Oro City in Rank 2 with Php 3.15 Billion, and General Santos City in Rank 3 with Php 1.07 Billion.
Zamboanga City is in Rank 4 with Php 970 Million, followed by Butuan City in Rank 5 with Php 898 Million, Tagum City in Rank 6 with Php 792 Million, Iligan City in Rank 7 with Php 672 Million, Panabo City in Rank 8 with Php 487 Million, and Pagadian City in Rank 9 with Php 441 Million.
Landing on the Top 10 is Digos City, in Rank 10 with Php 376 Million in locally-sourced revenue.
City Mayor Josef F Cagas is the Chief Executive of Digos City.
Digos City, located on the southern part of Davao, in Region XI, has a total population of 192, 063 people. (Southern STARNews)

13/10/2025

Digos City - The City Government of Digos, under the administration of City Mayor Cagas has permitted the resumption of 'Face-to-Face Classes' tomorrow, October 14, in all levels, both in public and private schools, after the Inspection Team gave the clearance that all school buildings within the territory of the City of Digos are safe for use.
Mayor Josef F. Cagas issued Executive Order No. 92, Series of 2025, suspending all classes yesterday, October 13, in all levels, in both public and private schools pending recommendation of the Inspection Team who were tasked to assess any structural damage to school buildings and facilities following a 7.6 magnitude earthquake that struck Davao Region on October 10.
The Inspection Team that issued the clearance is composed of the City Engineering Office, the Bureau of Fire Protection, and the City Disaster Risk Reduction Management Office. (Southern STARNews)